Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

The purpose of this study was to estimate the extent of eligibility for rent rebates/allowances among private and council tenants in the City of Birmingham, and to ascertain reasons which may be impeding the take-up of allowances and rent rebates.

Main Topics:

Attitudinal/Behavioural Questions Present residence: type, number of floors, age, whether respondent is tenant, furnished or unfurnished, type of landlord, number of rooms, whether kitchen or bathroom shared. Length of residence at present address/in Birmingham, previous tenure. Weekly rent, any sub-letting (amount of rent), whether rent fixed, whether ever considered applying to have rent fixed (reasons, outcome), whether in receipt of a rent rebate/allowance at present, supplementary benefit or pension received. Opinion on fairness of rent in relation to the type of accommodation and income and commitments. Knowledge of rent rebates received by council and private tenants. Knowledge of Birmingham's rent rebate scheme and its financial source. Type of people respondent would expect to qualify for a rent rebate. Opinion on whether people who could not afford their rent should be given a rebate, whether people look down on those receiving rebates (reasons), whether respondent considers himself in need of a rebate, whether qualified, reasons for not applying if qualified, whether willing to give full details of earnings and savings for a rebate. Method of rent payment, whether discussed rent allowances/rebates with landlord, any advice sought elsewhere, whether seen any information about rebates (press, television, radio etc.). Background Variables Age, sex, marital status, employment status (for all members of household). Place of birth, income, occupation, industry (for head of household and spouse). Type of household.

Systematic (every 128th address on Housing Register). Substitution procedure was to replace non-eff

Face-to-face interview